Michelle Obama shares throwback to happier times in White...

Michelle Obama posted a sweet throwback photo to her time in the White House amid rumors her marriage to Barack is on the rocks. The former First Lady, 61, took to Instagram on Thursday with a photo of herself and artist Amy Sherald, as she celebrated Black History Month. 'I first met Amy back when I was First Lady. Barack and I interviewed her to work on our portraits for the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in DC,' Michelle, who lived in the White House from 2009 to 2017, wrote.

Image Credit: Mail Online [Amy's portrait was controversial when it was revealed in 2018, with some criticizing the painting, comparing the work to a kid's art project and saying it looked nothing like her]

The activist continued, writing the 'second' the artist started talking about her art, the duo had an instant connection. 'I knew she was the one to work on my portrait,' she continued, calling the artist an 'incredible talent with extraordinary character and strength.'. 'With her signature style, it's easy to distinguish her work in many of the galleries that you see today,' she added. 'Her path wasn't easy – she made tremendous sacrifices, but stayed faithful to her gifts, refusing to give up on what she had to offer to the world,' Michelle wrote.

Image Credit: Mail Online [The couple, pictured at the Democratic National Convention in August, have been plagued by divorce rumors since Obama attended former president Jimmy Carter's funeral alone]

'That's why she is one of the best artists of her generation.'. The former First Lady, 61, posted a photo of herself and artist Amy Sherald, as she celebrated Black History Month. In her post, Michelle wrote she'll be sharing stories of Black people who are transforming culture with their talents and helping people 'think about the world in new and innovative ways.'. Amy's portrait was controversial when it was revealed in 2018, with some criticizing the painting, comparing the work to a kid's art project and saying it looked nothing like Michelle.

President Obama's portrait, by Kehinde Wiley, was more well received. The gushing Instagram post comes amid rumors the high-profile couple, who have been married for 32 years, are heading for a divorce. Speculation first began to mount after the former Obama attended former president Jimmy Carter's funeral alone. Michelle was then notably absent at President Donald Trump's inauguration last month. Despite the rumors, the couple have been careful to put on a united front.

At the beginning of February, Obama made it clear that he and his wife are a team in a statement regarding the horrific plane crash in Washington, D.C. Amy's portrait was controversial when it was revealed in 2018, with some criticizing the painting, comparing the work to a kid's art project and saying it looked nothing like her. The couple, pictured at the Democratic National Convention in August, have been plagued by divorce rumors since Obama attended former president Jimmy Carter's funeral alone.

The former president, 63, used collective terms such as 'our hearts break' and 'Michelle and I send our prayers' in a subtle rebuttal to the wild speculation. On Michelle's 61st birthday last month, Obama attempted to shutdown the speculation once and for all with a gushing tribute to the 'love of his life' Michelle. Earlier in February, Michelle posted her first video on Instagram since she and her husband Barack were hit by rumors of divorce.

The former first lady posted a clip announcing her partnership with her charity Reach Higher and the American School Council Association. Sporting a chic patterned blazer, roll neck top and chunk statement earrings, Michelle thanked school counselors across the country who she called the 'beating heart' of the education system. This critical work often gets unnoticed and that's why for so many years I have been working to make sure that they get the shine they deserve,' Michelle said.